Happy (Canadian) Thanksgiving!

I am thankful for so many things that I almost don't know where to begin!

First, and always foremost, is my amazing family. Without the love and support of both my immediate and extended family, I'd be lost.

My husband, who weathers the storm with quiet strength and allows me to be exactly who I want and need to be, even when I demand the opposite from him. He's my best friend and sometimes I simply don't deserve him.

My amazing little Beaner. She's changed my world in a bazillion ways and every day she teaches me something new. You are my sunshine.

My friends... I love you. I don't even have the words to describe how I feel or what you bring to my life. Without all of you, there would certainly be no me.

My cats! Because cats are awesome.

And last, but most certainly not least, Pumpkin Spice Lattes. May your flavor come to pass more than once a year ;)

So, dear reader, what are you thankful for?

A Change Is Gonna Come

Beaner turned 3 two weeks ago.

Really? 3? Already? Damn!

We had her party at Chuck E Cheese so that my house didn't get trashed again this year and I didn't have to break up fights over new toys. It was bliss!

I've hired someone to watch Beaner 3 days a week for a few hours a day. This is so I can hit the gym, do some work (I work from home, still) or run errands. I am very much looking forward to this. I had tried to get Beaner into a preschool but apparently they fill the fall session early in March so I came WAY too late to the party. Ugh.

Here's a fun idea to get your toddlers (and older kids) to eat leafy greens they wouldn't otherwise; make homemade popsicles. Blend up kale, spinach, whatever you like really, and use blackberries and blueberries to mask the color. I call them sneaky pops and they are a huge hit in our house.

Until next time, stay awesome.

It's Been Awhile!

We've been SO busy around here, it's really not funny.

Hubby and I hit Sin City for my birthday/our wedding anniversary, then we had a visit from my Mom as soon as we returned. Top that off with babysitting for friends, and normal summer activities with Beaner and holy hannah I've been one crazybusy turkey!

I know, what's with my descriptions today? Crazy!

Some big going ons with Beaner. We've finally transitioned her out of her crib and into a bed. I was so worried but she's really all about "big girl" stuff these days, so there's been little to no issues. Yay! Her vocabulary has had another explosion (as has her swearing. Bad Mommy. BAD!) and she's obsessed with reading and going to the library. I couldn't be happier, as I'm hoping to incorporate reading hour, where Mommy gets to read a novel as Beaner reads her books beside me. I miss reading novels SO much!

I finished the 365 Project, save for the captions. I am SUCH a slacker when it comes to my free time. I rarely do productive things, like I have on my lists, and instead I watch reality tv. Oops!

What non-productive things do you do once the kid(s) is asleep?

I'm alive!

It's summertime so we've been super busy doing all the fun things one is supposed to do once it's warm out.

Swimming, picnics, parks, museums, blowing bubbles, long walks, making gourmet popsicles, and more!

I made some crayons recently. I never remember to take pictures for y'all so nothing this time. I have some cell phone pictures of the after product though! They turned out great so I will make a conscious effort to make a tutorial for next time.

I can't believe summer is half over! It's going too fast, boooooo!

The hubby and I are headed to Vegas in two weeks and Beaner is staying here with my Dad. It's our first time away from her for more than a night, so I'm only a little apprehensive. It's my birthday and our anniversary so we're taking our honeymoon in the place where we got married....Vegas baby! To say I am excited is an understatement. 4 blissful days with no 6am wakeups, 3am calls for water, no Treehouse tv, and no censoring my swearing.

I hope everyone is having as much fun as we are!!

Let Me Sleep On It, Baby Baby

My paperwork stack isn't quite that bad, but it's not great either. I NEED MORE SPACE!

The terrible twos are in full swing here.

This crap is hard.

Procrastination Champion, 3 Years Running

I'm going to just stop apologizing for updating infrequently, or announcing what I will be posting next. I am not good with deadlines for things that don't involve work I get paid for. I am also a world class procrastinator. If it was an olympic sport, I'd win and at the last possible moment, too.

Also, it's my blog, so neener neener booboo, I get to be a lazy butt about this shit.

Goings on in my life right now: weight gain, weight loss, terrible twos, gogo gadget fashionista (suck it spell check, that's a word), roots/no roots, bye bye toenail.

There's less than 2 months until our Vegas vacation. 4 glorious days of no beaner, no work, no diet, no plans. This will be our honeymoon, anniversary, and my birthday all rolled into one. I am quite excited. If I didn't love Canada so much, I'd live in Vegas.

I made a tutu for myself last weekend in support of the Great Strides Walk for CF that I do every year. I am a part of team Reddy for a Cure in honor of the late Eva Markvoort. I looked ridiculous, but I was proud of it.

Pic, because it totally happened.

I had a local boutique wanting to commission me for infant and toddler tutus, but I had to turn them down. I hate deadlines, especially for my creativity. I tend to balk at them.

Put Your Tiny Hand In Mine

George Michael, how I adore thee.

Happy Mother's Day to everyone. I was spoiled with flowers, a new water bottle (seems like a weird gift, but given I work out every day, it was a great gift) and I got to sleep until I had my fill today. I sit here sipping my coffee, catching up on my fellow bloggers and their sites, and enjoying the peace and quiet that is only achieved through Beaner and the hubby napping. What a great day thus far!

Weaning is complete. She asks to breastfeed very rarely and when I remind her that my milk is all gone, she's accepting of that and moves on to something else. It's bittersweet, for sure. Gone is the easy fix for sickness, scrapes, nightmares, and comfort. I have to say though, I am relieved that I can close that chapter. I was going to sell our breastfeeding pillow, but I think I will restuff it and make a new cover for it so we can use it in the living room for movie nights. Also, that's something that can stick around forever and she can draw comfort from.

My battle with depression and side effects has become manageable. I have been struggling with insomnia for a few weeks but I think I've figured that out as well. Fingers crossed!

I am still going strong on my weight loss journey. I have lost a total of 26 lbs and it's showing no signs of slowing down. I wish I had some magic secret to share with you all but really, it's simply the hard work of diet and exercise. My only advise is to count calories. It made a world of difference for me, since I had no idea what I was consuming and I was rather shocked once I found out.

I hope everyone is doing well! Stay tuned, as this week I am beginning a series on spring cleaning and purging your home of unneeded thingies and baubles.

Adventures In Weaning

I haven't breastfed Beaner in about two weeks. She still asks for it if she wakes up from a nightmare, or hurts herself, or is generally in a bad mood. I offer a substitute of dried fruit, or a cheesestick (her favorite) and breastfeeding is forgotten. Her nursing sessions were already down to before nap and before bed. Months ago we replaced the nap nursing with "napsnack" which is some crackers and a bit of milk. We replaced the evening nursing with "milksnack" which is usually milk and some banana, or turkey breast.

It makes me sad that our breastfeeding journey has come to an end, simply for the fact that it was an easy fix for comfort and made middle of the night wakings much easier. The upside is that the comfort can now come from my husband, instead of my breasts. They are creating a stronger bond and I am not always the first one she runs to if she has an owie, or has a question. I am also glad that I will no longer have to deal with the gasps of incredulity when people find out Beaner is 2.5 years old. "You're still breastfeeding?" I definitely won't miss those conversations.

Next up, weaning her off television. If I have to watch Team Umizoomi one more time...

A Change Is Gonna Come

I generally don't like to announce things when I start doing them, or think of them, because I have had issues in the past with following through. Be it because I am a Mom, have ADHD, or am just too scatterbrained sometimes, my list of things to do gets larger by the day.

8 weeks ago I entered into a "biggest loser" type challenge with some of my girlfriends. None of us live in the same city, so it was all done online as far as supporting each other, sharing triumphs and setbacks, weigh-ins, etc. We weighed in every week, we held ourselves accountable, and we made it a monetary based challenge. Great motivator, yes?

I starting tracking my calories (I highly recommend the MyPlate feature over at LIVESTRONG) and was stunned by the amount of garbage I was putting in to my body. I don't tend to overeat but what I DO find time to eat was no good for me. I decided then and there to make a complete lifestyle change. I started working out every day, eating healthy, and generally kicking butt!

On Friday we did our final weigh-in to determine the challenge winner. Lo and behold, I won! In 8 weeks I have lost 24 lbs and countless inches off my body. I am now completely and utterly addicted to going to the gym. I get alone time, I work out and get those lovely endorphins, and the feeling from losing weight carries over into every day confidence. That and losing weight is a fantastic reason to buy new clothes!

I have miles to go, and probably won't complete my ultimate goal until summer 2012, but I'm making progress, and that's more than enough to keep me motivated.

What's your motivation this Monday?

The Tenderness of a Toddler

Sometimes I am simply blown away by how tender, gentle, and understanding children can be. Amidst the tantrums and the "BUT I WANT IT, IT'S MINE!" moments are the instances that are forever etched in my heart. I am so grateful for these etchings.

I have been dealing with some wicked side effects from the Cipralex my doctor just put me on. I am also dealing with a sinus & tonsil infection, which I have been put on antibiotics for and may also be throwing some side effects at me. For the past 3 days I have been vomiting, dizzy, weak, and constantly dripping from the nose. Last night was the worst because I couldn't get any long stretches of sleep. It's been rough, I'm not going to pretend to be superwoman. I'm barely managing to stay upright long enough to feed and clothe my child, and everything else is pretty much on the back burner.

Beaner is well aware of how sick I am. She's vomited before, she knows how much it sucks to "have the puke-ies", as she called them. So, when I went running for the bathroom this morning, she was hot on my heels. "Mommy! You puke-ies in the toilet please! I'm here Mommy. It's ok, I got you, you're safe". She patted my head and back, handed me a towel and my water bottle and gave me hugs when I was done. Here is my 2 year old daughter comforting me as I sobbed between heaves, telling me that it was ok and would be over soon.

Maybe I'm not doing such a bad job with her, after all.

ShoeDazzle Giveaway Winner!

 Thank you all for your comments! I hope you had as much fun as I did, perusing the goodies over at ShoeDazzle!

Without further ado, the winner of the free month of ShoeDazzle is:

Enjoy your new shoes, jewelry, or handbag Allyy! (please email me your account info!)

Stay tuned for more giveaways!!

Learning With Hip Hop

Music is a big thing in our house. When I say big, I mean B-I-G.

I am a singer/songwriter and hubby is an audiophile. Between the two of us, it was no surprise when Beaner started asking for Lady GaGa by name when she was about 8 months old. We've tried to expose her to a variety of our music, as well as so-called "kid music". She's a big fan of stuff from Sesame Street, and equally fond of Snack Time by the Barenaked Ladies.

I let her review Mark D Pencil's "Learning With Hip Hop" and I must say, it was a fairly big success. How do I know it was a success? Because she started to dance. That's pretty much the ultimate seal of Beaner approval. That, and if she doesn't like something, she flat out tells me to turn it off and puts her hands over her ears.

I liked the repetition within the songs, the way the entire CD is appropriate for all ages, and how it combines some good beats. One of my biggest pet peeves as a Mom is having to listen or watch something that annoys me AND gets stuck in my head. When I found myself humming "Do You Know Your ABC's?" at the grocery store, I didn't mind.

Verdict: Beaner and Mom approved!

You can listen to some of the tracks on Myspace (HERE) as well as LastFM (HERE).
You can purchase the CD from Mark's website: http://learningwithhiphop.com/

Win a Month of ShoeDazzle!

A few months ago I gushed about my absolutely favorite obsession, ShoeDazzle! If it's possible, I'm even more obsessed now. I have an amazing collection of handbags and shoes and I get compliments on them all the time. They also have jewelry sets, as well as special "dazzledeals" twice a week.

What's the point of this new post? Well, I've decided to share my obsession with you, my awesome readers!

Simply become a follower of Urban Domestic, then head on over to ShoeDazzle's Facebook fan page and "like" them. Once that's done, come back here and leave me a comment about what shoe, handbag, or jewelry item you think is a "must have" for spring.

To see the goods you can either check out the fan page photos tab, or sign up for ShoeDazzle using my invite code and check out your showroom when it's ready. That invite code will also give you 20% off your first item. Don't forget to read the FAQ!

On March 28th I will select one lucky winner (using a random number generator) to receive a free month of ShoeDazzle!

Happy dazzling!

This post is participating in Made by You Mondays at Skip To My Lou 

Tantrums, Thy Name Be Beaner

Today's post was supposed to be a cd review (Hi Mike!) but I had to put it on hold so I could unload about what a hellacious week I'm having here.

Beaner has decided that this is the week where she's going to be a total wanker to her Dad and I. Every simple request, every established routine, every favorite, is all being rejected, or thrown at us. Our sweet, easy going toddler is nowhere to be found and in her place is this raging beast who is prone to melt down if the cat dares to look in her general direction.

As a first time Mom, I'm flying blind here. Is this a phase? Am I oversensitive because I'm tired and I'm making too much of it? Is she feeding off my crap mood? Am I a horrible mother? Was she switched out with robobitchbaby and we are just noticing now?

So many questions, zero answers.

She had me up all night and was then awake for the day at 5am this morning. Of course, meltdowns are rampant today so she's been put down for an unprecedented early nap. She's currently screaming at me from her crib about the pillow she just threw across the room in anger. I'm sorry kiddo, but maybe you shouldn't have thrown your pillow?

I adore my daughter, and she's generally a joy to be around, but this week, let me tell ya, if I was offered an opportunity to run away and join the circus, you can bet your butt I'd take it.

To quote one of my favorite Simpsons lines; Pray....for....Mojo....

The Weaning Journey

I have officially started on my weaning journey with Beaner. For the past 29 months I have breastfed her on demand, exclusively for the first 6 months, much to my discomfort.

I have never been a fan of breastfeeding, despite how much I advocate for it. I have always known that breast is best, and no matter how much I hated it, the idea of not breastfeeding just didn't enter my mind. We worked through bad latch, thrush, nursing strikes, pumping failures, and much frustration and tears, but we did it.  I've put in my time, as they say.

Beaner is extremely verbal, and quite rational, as much as a 2 year old can be, so I was able to tell her that Mommy's "booboos" hurt and were broken and as such, we weren't going to be able to breastfeed before naptime. Instead, we created a special "napsnack" of cheese, veggie crackers, and cow's milk. She thought that was just marvelous and had no issues.

When nighttime came there was a slight resistance and a crease in the brow as she asked about my owies and if I'd seen a Dr. yet. When I told her no, I still had owies, she accepted it with no issue. Last night she whined some in her sleep, a first for her, and cried out for me, without ever really waking up. I had a long night checking on her, listening for her, waiting to cave on the breastfeeding. It didn't happen.

Today there was no issue because she didn't nap here, as she was with her grandpa for the afternoon, and at nighttime she didn't even ask. We're only on day two and I have no illusions that this is far too good and easy to be true, but I do know that the end of our breastfeeding experience is coming soon and that makes me relieved but it also makes me a little sad. Breastfeeding was the one connection her and I had that no one else in the world shared with us. Once that's gone...well, I just don't know. Gone will be the last shred of my sweet, dependent baby, and in her place will be the confident, little girl aching to spread her wings in this world.

Fly high, my dear, fly high.

Let Me Count The Ways...Part Two

Happy Sunday everyone! I am sitting here, sipping my coffee and killing time before we head out to a birthday party, so I thought I'd get my 2nd part of my V-day post up! Feel free to comment with any links you think I should see, or any ideas you think I should be aware of!

Heart Sachet - The Mother Huddle

Valentine's Lacing Cards - The Mother Huddle

Eye Chart Heart Art - She Wears Flowers

Treats For Daddy - Nap Time Journal

Message In A Bottle - The Mother Huddle

Owl Heart Printables - Ready, Set, Create

Heart Bubbles - Crafting And Creativity

Heart Garland - The Mother Huddle

Happy crafting everyone!

Let Me Count The Ways...

Welcome to the first part of my Valentines Day link extravaganza. I am bringing you a lovely bunch of ideas, tutorials, and recipes for you and your sweeties. Settle in and prepare get your creative love juices (um...?) flowing with these great links:

Button Art Tutorial - I Really Should Be Sleeping

 

Heart Shaped Cake Pops - Tip Junkie

 

22 Valentines Day Wreath Ideas - Tip Junkie

Classroom Valentine Ideas - Skip To My Lou

 

Rice Krispie Hearts - Skip To My Lou

10 Minute Valentines Day Ideas - Rookie Moms

Sweet Swirl Cookies - Prudent Baby

Time-Out For Love

In the spirit of Valentine's Day I am posting a few things for the most important people in our lives; our kids. In the face of the commercial frenzy over pre-bought valentines for the kids, generic chocolates in a heart shaped box, and the ridiculously overpriced roses that are the standard, we rebelled. Since we love each other every day, we don't feel the need to express it on one single day simply because we're told we should. Ok, that's not ENTIRELY true, as we celebrate our wedding anniversary every year with romance and nostalgia, but you get the idea.

So, instead, we focus on our daughter, the real proof of our love. In that vein, I want to share with you a list that I stumbled across from The Mother Huddle. Here are 40 simple ways to show your child that you love them, and that you are thinking of them. The beauty is that you can use any of these tips at any time of the year, and combine them in any manner you wish.

Here's a few to get you interested:

o1. Take them to a movie they want to see.

o2. Go on a treasure hunt (collect all the loose change around the house/car) together and then make a trip to the arcade with your findings.

o3. Take a long nature walk together, at their pace. Let them lead the conversation.

o4. Find qualities about them that you genuinely love, and compliment them in front of others.

o5. Frame a photo of the two of you, and display it in their room.


...click to see the rest.

And what of doubt and fear?

Do you ever wonder if you're making the right choices as a mother? Do you compare yourself to other mothers, to your own mother? Am I completely alone in wondering if I'm failing in a spectacular manner at this very important role?

How do we overcome the injustices and the hurts that were dealt to us as children? More importantly, how do we make sure that we don't make those same mistakes with our children?

I've shed some tears on the subject while frantically grabbing my husband by the shirt and demanding he tell me right then and there if I was a good mother. "You'd tell me if I was messing this up, right?" I'm sure he enjoys those little chats just as much as I do.

So, dear readers, what do you do when you're overwhelmed by feelings of doubt? Do we ever just accept that we're probably doing ok?

Link Love!

Happy Thursday! 

I thought I'd share with you the blogs I read on a daily basis. I have a list of about a dozen more that I need to check out and see if they offer something I'm interested in. I swear, just checking out my favorites  can be a full-time job all on it's own!

I'm trying to think up ways to increase my followers/readers. Maybe a giveaway? Maybe some kind of contest? Working on it....!

 

   

   

 

Rookie Moms

How Does She...

The Pursuit of Happiness

Baby Jayne's

Living with Punks

The Mother Huddle

Apartment Therapy Ohdeedoh

Chasing Cheerios

Wee Wonderfuls

Down With The Sickness

When my husband calls in sick and hides in bed, I sometimes whisper to myself "it must be nice to call in sick. I wish I had that luxury."

As a Mom, when you're here by yourself, there is no "out". The kid needs to eat, needs to be tended to, and the option to just check out mentally, lay in bed and recover isn't available to me.

There is, I'm learning, a middle ground. A place where Mommy sits on the couch like a sack of mucusy garbage and allows her daughter to do anything she'd like, as long as no one's being hurt and nothing of real value is being destroyed. As I type, snot bubbling from my nose, my head foggy, and my non-existant energy being drained, my dear daughter is TP'ing the kitchen. She's quiet and it's costing me almost nothing. Normally, of course, I'd tell her that it's wasteful and toilet paper is not a toy. I, however, feel far from normal, and desperate times call for desperate measures. At this point, I'd let her paint with ketchup if it meant just 5 more minutes of nursing my swollen sinuses in relative quiet.

Of course, the real relief comes in those two very special words... "Daddy's Home!"

What was I thinking??

For the last two years I've allowed my OCD to dictate how I put away beaner's toys. Blocks get put away with other blocks, jewelry goes in it's case, food in the play kitchen, Little People in their bin....and so on, and neverendingly so forth. It was getting so time consuming and yet, I kept doing it. Until this week, that is. Something snapped in my brain and I had a moment. I literally said out loud "if no one else cares how they're sorted, why do I?"
Let me tell you folks, it was a frigging epiphany or something equally as awesome and rare. I giggled with maniacal glee as Little People were thrown in with the tea set, blocks started cavorting with dinky cars, and, GASP!, puzzle pieces were thrown haphazardly in a bucket instead of being put back in the puzzle. Once I get more bins for the Expedit, there will be more toy mingling happening as everything gets thrown in together.

It may not seem like much to some people, but to break that little compulsion of mine is a HUGE deal and really a massive time saver. It only took 2 years of meticulous toy separating for me to finally say enough is enough.

Now, if only I could convince Beaner that she really doesn't need to sleep with her entire book and toy collection....